Pounds: Election dissection

A music writer once defined “classic rock” as “songs you don’t like but know all the words to.” Lucas County elections are taking on the same feel. We don’t like the perpetual results but we sing along like braying sheep anyway.

There was some hope that the reflection and patriotism inspired by the 10th anniversary of 9/11 might move some people to vote in the Sept. 13 primary. A turnout of less than 5 percent shows that even that historic event isn’t enough to motivate voters.

In District 6, Councilwoman Lindsay Webb beat challenger Doug DeCamp, who tried to capitalize on Webb’s inability to meet a paperwork deadline but failed to sway a majority of voters. He came close enough to make the November race interesting, so we’ll watch that contest closely.

In District 1, Tyrone Riley, the candidate preferred by termed-out councilwoman Wilma Brown, won; but Brandon Tucker, the candidate who reportedly spent the most money in the race and was supported by Councilman Joe McNamara, came in third while Aji Green, who was supported by Webb, moves on to the November ballot.

Riley’s victory is a minor surprise; it was expected to be close between him, Green and Tucker. Absentee ballots and early voting powered his victory, but it was steered by Brown’s influence.

Union power eked out a victory in District 3: Shaun Enright garnered more votes than incumbent Mike Craig, who may have damaged his chances by backing Mayor Mike Bell’s proposal to spend money in Promenade Park instead of on city streets.

Once again, Stainbrook was unable to produce results. Only one of his candidates, DeCamp, will be on the November ballot.

November, which is not so far away, comes with the added Senate Bill 5 element. DeCamp, Demegall and Craig have their work cut out for them given the union support that the others will get and if the Democratic Party decides to endorse Enright, it could be even tougher for Craig. The news that Bell gave Craig campaign cash did not help him in some quarters.

Thank you to the 5 percent who did vote; we will continue to maintain optimism that Lucas County voters will turn out in much greater numbers come November.

Thomas F. Pounds is president and publisher of Toledo Free Press and Toledo Free Press Star. Contact him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.